58 OF HEALTH AND HUMAN NATURE. 



" 3. That it is a question by which we need not be at all dis- 

 turbed whether the bodies with which we shall arise be new 

 bodies, or the same bodies under a new form ; for, 



" 4. No alteration will hinder us from remaining the same, 

 provided we are sensible and conscious that we are so, any more 

 than the changes which our visible person undergoes even in 

 this life, and which from infancy to manhood are undoubtedly 

 very great, hinder us from being the same, to ourselves and in 

 ourselves, and to all intents and purposes whatsoever. 



" Lastly, That though from the imperfection of our faculties, 

 we neither are, nor without a constant miracle upon our minds, 

 could be made able to comprehend the nature of our future bodies, 

 yet we are assured that the change will be infinitely beneficial 5 

 that our new bodies will be infinitely superior to those which we 

 carry about with us in our present state."* 



The Archdeacon's fourth conclusion removes an objection that 

 might suggest itself to some. St. Paul declares the resurrection 

 to be " a mystery :" it will in truth be a miracle, and vain were 

 the enquiry " how can these things be ?" On these subjects 

 I wish to touch with modesty and reverence, and if I have written 

 a syllable that can be proved contrary to Scripture or to the Arti- 

 cles of the Church of England, I acknowledge it false and declare 

 it unsaid. The view of nature is really a revelation, and cannot 

 without impiety be thought contradicted by any inspired declara- 

 tion. I think with Bishop Watson that the farther general science 

 extends as years pass on, the better will the volumes of our faith 

 be understood. Next to the irreligious lives of many professed 



* Sermons on several Subjects, by the late Rev. W. Paley, D.D. S. 3. p. 96. 

 These are a small body of divinity, and having been bequeathed by him to his 

 parishioners, probably contain his mature convictions. 



It is the doctrine of the Church of England that " all men shall rise with 

 their bodies." Enoch and Elijah were translated bodily. Nay, as far as our 

 Church acknowledges the human nature of Christ, it believes that he ascended 

 into heaven and there sits, with " his body, with flesh, bones, and all things 

 appertaining to the perfection of man's nature." (Art. IV.) 



